Waroona bolstered by $900,000 Federal Government commitment as part of the Morrison Government’s BBRF

Plans to breathe new life into the town of Waroona have been bolstered again after a Federal Government funding commitment. A total of $900,000 for the massive project was announced last week as part of the Morrison Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. The revitalisation plans include an open grass area for events, nature play area and playground, walking trail, skate park and pump track, accessible toilets and landscaping to give the town a “heart” — similar to the neighbouring towns of Harvey and Pinjarra. Amenities, such as a supermarket and post office, are spread across the town of 3000 people. The latest funding commitment comes on top of $3.5 million already committed for the project, with the State Government contributing $1.3 million earlier this year and the remainder from the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund and local community groups. Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said the new funding would fast-track the project and allow it to be done at once rather than in stages. “This will help us complete all the stages in one hit and enables us to do a little bit more of what we were planning,” he said. “Instead of going back and retrofitting things, the funding allows us to do it all in one hit which is great.” Canning MHR Andrew Hastie said the investment would deliver better facilities and economic opportunities for the region. “The Waroona Community Precinct revitalisation will provide a great asset for local residents and breathe new life into this historic township,” he said. “We are backing these three projects to ensure communities in our region have appropriate facilities for the future, while creating jobs to boost our economic recovery.” The revitalisation would also include a Preston Beach foreshore strategy, truck assembly and breakdown area, Drakesbrook Weir redevelopment and plans to create 300 new jobs through more support towards Waroona abattoirs. Future works would also include construction of a visitor centre, community centre and environmental hub. Community consultation for the project ended in March, with construction work expected to begin by the start of next year. The project is being led by a council-run taskforce.